Is this a rich mans hobby?

[Mecom Racer]

In a recently locked thread (in the "Open Discussion" Forum?) I was accused of being too hard on someone because I questioned them asking for donations from forum members to support his hobby. A "hobby"... something you don't really NEED. Here are my responses to his rantings.

• I am not a rich man by any means. I stayed in school and got a degree like my parents, who are immigrants from Eastern Europe, told me to do.
  
• I sold my Grand Sport because I couldn't afford to pay the debt I incurred building it. Didn't want to part with it, trust me. I borrowed some money too and paid every penny back. I learned a lot and had tons of fun with the car but I didn't ask other people for money, not even a dollar, so I could keep it.
  
• I work hard in a full time job too, take side jobs, created an internet side business, etc. for extra money to support my family and hobby.
  
• I have a wife staying at home now with a 6 month old baby who is no longer bringing home an income. Yes, less money which sucks, but we believe the sacrifice is worth it.
  
• I lost my job last September (company closed) and found a new one right away because of my work ethic and skills.
  
• My 2 bedroom starter home is too small after 10 years living there. I need a bigger house now that I have a child and can't afford one in my current town so I have to move farther away, thus increasing my commute to work.
  
• I paid student loans for 10 years, never missed a payment on any debt, never bounced a check - ever! How'd I do that?? I just decided a long time ago that I would never do it.
  
• Like most people, I make less than 100K a year. I try to save money, which doesn't leave much to "throw around".
  
• I am generous when the collection plate comes around at church because I know others have needs far beyond mine. Once, when leaving a supermarket, a woman approached me asking for a few bucks for food. I brought her back inside and filled a cart, paid for it and left her in disbelief. (I only reveal that story in hopes to inspire others. Nothing feels better than helping someone truly in need. Try it.)
  
• Until the sale of my "hobby car" my wife and I both drove 1992 vehicles with over 150K miles on them. They were old but they were paid for.

We all work hard. Some of here are blessed with the ability to scrounge up enough to have some fun with a car hobby. Sometimes we also have to sell our beloved hot rods. Some of us are blessed with amazing income levels and feel no want, piling up cool cars left and right. That's just how it is.

Is this a hobby just for rich people? You tell me.